Vehicle body interchangeability

ABSTRACT

A method is provided for providing vehicle reconfigurability. The method includes maintaining an inventory containing vehicle body pods each having a substantially identical interface at which each of the body pods is connectable to a chassis such that the body pods are interchangeable on the chassis. The body pods include at least one body pod characterized by a first body pod style and at least one body pod characterized by a second body pod style. The method also includes granting possession to a customer of a vehicle body pod from the inventory independent of a chassis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No.10/202,456, filed Jul. 24, 2002 now abandoned, which claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application 60/314,501, filed Aug. 23, 2001, andU.S. Provisional Application 60/337,994, filed Dec. 7, 2001, each of theaforementioned applications being hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vehicle body interchangeabilityprocess wherein a vehicle chassis is provided with a common interfacesystem engageable with any of a plurality of different interchangeablebodies having different body styles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobility, being capable of moving from place to place or of movingquickly from one state to another, has been one of the ultimate goals ofhumanity throughout recorded history. The automobile has likely donemore in helping individuals achieve that goal than any otherdevelopment. Since its inception, societies around the globe haveexperienced rates of change in their manner of living that are directlyrelated to the percentage of motor vehicle owners among the population.

Prior art automobiles and light trucks include a body, the function ofwhich is to contain and protect passengers and their belongings. Bodiesare connected to the numerous mechanical, electrical, and structuralcomponents that, in combination with a body, comprise a fully functionalvehicle. The nature of the prior art connections between a vehicle bodyand vehicular componentry may result in certain inefficiencies in thedesign, manufacture, and use of vehicles. Three characteristics of priorart body connections that significantly contribute to theseinefficiencies are the quantity of connections; the mechanical nature ofmany of the connections; and the locations of the connections on thebody and on the componentry.

In the prior art, the connections between a body and componentry arenumerous. Each connection involves at least one assembly step when avehicle is assembled; it is therefore desirable to reduce the number ofconnections to increase assembly efficiency. The connections between aprior art body and prior art vehicular componentry include multipleload-bearing connectors to physically fasten the body to the othercomponents, such as bolts and brackets; electrical connectors totransmit electrical energy to the body from electricity-generatingcomponents and to transmit data from sensors that monitor the status ofthe componentry; mechanical control linkages, such as the steeringcolumn, throttle cable, and transmission selector; and ductwork andhoses to convey fluids such as heated and cooled air from an HVAC unitto the body for the comfort of passengers.

Many of the connections in the prior art, particularly those connectionsthat transmit control signals, are mechanical linkages. For example, tocontrol the direction of the vehicle, a driver sends control signals tothe steering system via a steering column. Mechanical linkages result ininefficiencies, in part, because different driver locations in differentvehicles require different mechanical linkage dimensions and packaging.Thus, new or different bodies often cannot use “off-the-shelf”components and linkages. Componentry for one vehicle body configurationis typically not compatible for use with other vehicle bodyconfigurations. Furthermore, if a manufacturer changes the design of abody, a change in the design of the mechanical linkage and the componentto which it is attached may be required. The change in design of thelinkages and components requires modifications to the tooling thatproduces the linkages and components.

The location of the connections on prior art vehicle bodies andcomponentry also results in inefficiencies. In prior art body-on-framearchitecture, connection locations on the body are often not exposed toan exterior face of the body, and are distant from correspondingconnections on the componentry; therefore, long connectors such aswiring harnesses and cables must be routed throughout the body fromcomponentry. The vehicle body of a fully-assembled prior art vehicle isintertwined with the componentry and the connection devices, renderingseparation of the body from its componentry difficult andlabor-intensive, if not impossible. The use of long connectors increasesthe number of assembly steps required to attach a vehicle to itscomponentry.

Furthermore, prior art vehicles typically have internal combustionengines that have a height that is a significant proportion of theoverall vehicle height. Prior art vehicle bodies are therefore designedwith an engine compartment that occupies about a third of the front (orsometimes the rear) of the body length. Compatibility between an engineand a vehicle body requires that the engine fit within the body's enginecompartment without physical part interference. Moreover, compatibilitybetween a prior art chassis with an internal combustion engine and avehicle body requires that the body have an engine compartment locatedsuch that physical part interference is avoided. For example, a vehiclebody with an engine compartment in the rear is not compatible with achassis with an engine in the front.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A self-contained chassis has substantially all of the mechanical,electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functionalvehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a suspensionand wheels, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis has asimplified, and preferably standardized, interface with connectioncomponents to which bodies of substantially varying design can beattached. X-by-wire technology is utilized to eliminate mechanicalcontrol linkages.

As a result, the amount of time and resources required to design andmanufacture new vehicle bodies are reduced. Body designs need onlyconform to the simple attachment interface of the chassis, eliminatingthe need to redesign or reconfigure expensive components.

Further, a multitude of body configurations share a common chassis,enabling economies of scale for major mechanical, electrical, andstructural components.

Connection components, exposed and unobstructed, increase manufacturingefficiency because attachment of a body to the chassis requires onlyengagement of the connection components to respective complementaryconnection components on a vehicle body.

Vehicle owners can increase the functionality of their vehicles at alower cost than possible with the prior art because a vehicle owner needbuy only one chassis upon which to mount a multitude of body styles.

A method is provided in accordance with the present invention forproviding vehicle reconfigurability. The method includes maintaining aninventory containing vehicle body pods each having a substantiallyidentical interface at which each of the body pods is connectable to achassis such that the body pods are interchangeable on the chassis. Thebody pods include at least one body pod characterized by a first bodypod style and at least one body pod characterized by a second body podstyle. The method also includes granting possession to a customer of avehicle body pod from the inventory independent of a chassis.

The above objects, features, advantages, and other objects, features,and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the best modes for carrying out theinvention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration in perspective view of a vehiclerolling platform according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view schematic illustration of the vehicle rollingplatform shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view schematic illustration of the vehicle rollingplatform shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration in side view of a vehicle body podand rolling platform attachment scenario according to the presentinvention that is useful with the embodiment of FIGS. 1–3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle body pod and rollingplatform attachment scenario, wherein body pods of differingconfigurations are each attachable to identical rolling platforms;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a steering system for use with therolling platform and body pod shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an alternative steering system foruse in the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a braking system for use with therolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an alternative braking system foruse with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an energy conversion system foruse with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an alternative energy conversionsystem for use with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a suspension system for use withthe rolling platform of FIGS. 1–5;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of an alternative suspension systemfor use with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a chassis computer and chassissensors for use with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a master control unit with asuspension system, braking system, steering system, and energyconversion system for use with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG.4;

FIG. 16 is a perspective illustration of a skinned rolling platformaccording to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective illustration of a skinned rolling platformaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a side schematic illustration of a rolling platform with anenergy conversion system including an internal combustion engine, andgasoline tanks;

FIG. 19 is a side schematic illustration of a rolling platform accordingto another embodiment of the invention, with a mechanical steeringlinkage and passenger seating attachment couplings;

FIGS. 20 and 20 a show partial exploded perspective schematicillustrations of a rolling platform according to a further embodiment ofthe invention in an attachment scenario with a body pod, the rollingplatform having multiple electrical connectors engageable withcomplementary electrical connectors in the body pod;

FIG. 21 is a perspective schematic illustration of a skinned rollingplatform according to yet another embodiment of the invention, therolling platform having a movable control input device;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a body selection grouping showingperspective views of vehicles according to various aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 23 is a process diagram illustrating a body inventory and a chassiswith a removable body in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 24 is a process diagram illustrating body and chassis manufacturingoperations;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating interchangeability of vehiclebodies with a single chassis over an extended period of time, andincluding software and hardware upgrades;

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of a business process in accordancewith the invention; and

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a further business process inaccordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle chassis 10 in accordance with theinvention, also referred to as the “rolling platform,” includes astructural frame 11. The structural frame 11 depicted in FIG. 1comprises a series of interconnected structural elements including upperand lower side structural elements 12 and 14 that comprise a“sandwich”-like construction. Elements 12 and 14 are substantially rigidtubular (or optionally solid), members that extend longitudinallybetween the front and rear axle areas 16, 18, and are positionedoutboard relative to similar elements 20, 22. The front and rear ends ofelements 12, 14 are angled inboard, extending toward elements 20 and 22and connecting therewith prior to entering the axle areas 16, 18. Foradded strength and rigidity a number of vertical and angled structuralelements extend between elements 12, 14, 20 and 22. Similar to theelements 12, 14, 20 and 22, which extend along the left side of therolling platform 10, a family of structural elements 26, 28, 30 and 32extend along the right side thereof.

Lateral structural elements 34, 36 extend between elements 20, 30 and22, 32, respectively nearer the front axle area 16 and lateralstructural elements 38, 40 extend between elements 20, 30 and 22, 32,respectively nearer the rear axle area 18, thereby defining amid-chassis space 41. The front axle area 16 is defined in and aroundstructural elements 43, 44 at the rear and front, and on the sides bystructural elements 46, 48 which may be extensions of the elements 20,22, 30, 32 or connected therewith. Forward of the front axle area, aforward space is defined between element 44 and elements 50, 52. Therear axle area 18 is defined in and around structural elements 53, 54 atthe front and rear, and on the sides by structural elements 56, 58,which may be extensions of the elements 20, 22, 30, 32 or connectedtherewith. Rearward of the rear axle area 18, a rearward space isdefined between element 54 and elements 60, 62. Alternatively, the rearaxle area 18 or the rearward space may be elevated relative to the restof the structural frame 11 if necessary to accommodate an energyconversion system, and the frame may include other elements to surroundand protect an energy conversion system. The frame defines a pluralityof open spaces between the elements described above. Those skilled inthe art will recognize materials and fastening methods suitable for usein the structural frame. For example, the structural elements may betubular, aluminum, and welded at their respective connections to otherstructural elements.

The structural frame 11 provides a rigid structure to which an energyconversion system 67, energy storage system 69, suspension system 71with wheels 73, 75, 77, 79 (each wheel having a tire 80), steeringsystem 81, and braking system 83 are mounted, as shown in FIGS. 1–3, andis configured to support an attached body 85, as shown in FIG. 4. Aperson of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the structuralframe 11 can take many different forms, in addition to the cage-likestructure of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1–3. For example, thestructural frame 11 can be a traditional automotive frame having two ormore longitudinal structural members spaced a distance apart from eachother, with two or more transverse structural members spaced apart fromeach other and attached to both longitudinal structural members at theirends. Alternatively, the structural frame may also be in the form of a“belly pan,” wherein integrated rails and cross members are formed insheets of metal or other suitable material, with other formations toaccommodate various system components. The structural frame may also beintegrated with various chassis components.

Referring to FIG. 2, a body attachment interface 87 is defined as thesum of all body connection components, i.e., connective elements thatfunction to operably mate a vehicle body to the chassis 10. The bodyconnection components of the preferred embodiment include a plurality ofload-bearing body-retention couplings 89 mounted with respect to thestructural frame 11 and a single electrical connector 91.

As shown in FIG. 4, the load-bearing body-retention couplings 89 areengageable with complementary attachment couplings 93 on a vehicle body85 and function to physically fasten the vehicle body 85 to the chassis10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a multitude offastening and locking elements may be used and fall within the scope ofthe claimed invention. The load-bearing body-retention couplings 89 arepreferably releasably engageable with complementary couplings, thoughnon-releasably engageable couplings such as weld flanges or rivetingsurfaces may be employed within the scope of the claimed invention.Ancillary fastening elements may be used as lock downs in conjunctionwith the load-bearing body-retention couplings. Load-bearing surfaceswithout locking or fastening features on the chassis 10 may be used withthe load-bearing body-retention couplings 89 to support the weight of anattached vehicle body 85. In the preferred embodiment, the load-bearingbody-retention couplings 89 include support brackets with bolt holes.Rubber mounts (not shown) located on the support brackets dampenvibrations transmitted between the body and the chassis. Alternatively,hard mounts may be employed for body-retention couplings.

The electrical connector 91 is engageable with a complementaryelectrical connector 95 on a vehicle body 85. The electrical connector91 of the preferred embodiment may perform multiple functions, or selectcombinations thereof. First, the electrical connector 91 may function asan electrical power connector, i.e., it may be configured to transferelectrical energy generated by components on the chassis 10 to a vehiclebody 85 or other non-chassis destination. Second, the electricalconnector 91 may function as a control signal receiver, i.e., a deviceconfigured to transfer control signals from a non-chassis source tocontrolled systems including the energy conversion system, steeringsystem, and braking system. Third, the electrical connector 91 mayfunction as a feedback signal conduit through which feedback signals aremade available to a vehicle driver. Fourth, the electrical connector 91may function as an external programming interface through which softwarecontaining algorithms and data may be transmitted for use by controlledsystems. Fifth, the electrical connector may function as an informationconduit through which sensor information and other information is madeavailable to a vehicle driver. The electrical connector 91 may thusfunction as a communications and power “umbilical” port through whichall communications between the chassis 10 and an attached vehicle body85 are transmitted. Electrical connectors include devices configured tooperably connect one or more electrical wires with other electricalwires. The wires may be spaced a distance apart to avoid any one wirecausing signal interference in another wire operably connected to anelectrical connector or for any reason that wires in close proximity maynot be desirable.

If one electrical connector performing multiple functions is notdesirable, for example, if a cumbersome wire bundle is required, orpower transmission results in control signal interference, the bodyattachment interface 87 may include a plurality of electrical connectors91 engageable with a plurality of complementary electrical connectors 95on a vehicle body 85, with different connectors performing differentfunctions. A complementary electrical connector 95 performs functionscomplementary to the function of the electrical connector with which itengages, for example, functioning as a control signal transmitter whenengaged with a control signal receiver.

Referring again to FIGS. 1–3, the energy conversion system 67, energystorage system 69, steering system 81, and braking system 83, areconfigured and positioned on the chassis 10 to minimize the overallvertical height of the chassis 10 and to maintain a substantiallyhorizontal upper chassis face 96. A face of an object is an imaginarysurface that follows the contours of the object that face, and aredirectly exposed to, a particular direction. Thus, the upper chassisface 96 is an imaginary surface that follows the upwardly facing andexposed contours of the chassis frame 11 and systems mounted therein.Matable vehicle bodies have a corresponding lower body face 97 that isan imaginary surface that follows the downwardly facing and exposedcontours of the body 85, as shown in FIG. 4.

Referring again to FIGS. 1–3, the structural frame 11 has a heightdefined as the vertical distance between its highest point (the top ofstructural element 20) and its lowest point (the bottom of structuralelement 22). In the preferred embodiment, the structural frame height isapproximately 11 inches. To achieve a substantially horizontal upperchassis face 96, the energy conversion system 67, energy storage system69, steering system 81, and braking system 83 are distributed throughoutthe open spaces and are configured, positioned, and mounted to thestructural frame 11 such that no part of the energy conversion system67, energy storage system 69, steering system 81, or braking system 83,extends or protrudes above the structural frame 11 more than 50% of thestructural frame's 11 height, or above the top of any of the tires 80.The substantially horizontal upper chassis face 96 enables the attachedvehicle body 85 to have a passenger area that extends the length of thechassis, unlike prior art bodies that have an engine compartment toaccommodate a vertically-protruding internal combustion engine.

Most of the powertrain load is evenly distributed between the front andrear of the chassis so there is a lower center of gravity for the wholevehicle without sacrificing ground clearance, thereby enabling improvedhandling while resisting rollover forces.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment of the rollingplatform 10 is configured such that the lower body face 97 of a matablevehicle body 85 is positioned closely adjacent to the upper chassis face96 for engagement with the rolling platform 10. The body connectioncomponents have a predetermined spatial relationship relative to oneanother, and are sufficiently positioned, exposed, and unobstructed suchthat when a vehicle body 85 having complementary connection components(complementary attachment couplings 93 and a complementary electricalconnector 95) in the same predetermined spatial relationship as the bodyconnection components is sufficiently positioned relative to the upperchassis face 96 of a chassis 10 of the invention, the complementaryconnection components are adjacent to corresponding body connectioncomponents and ready for engagement, as depicted in FIG. 4. In thecontext of the present invention, a body connection component having aprotective covering is exposed and unobstructed if the protectivecovering is removable or retractable.

Each body connection component has a spatial relationship relative toeach of the other body connection components that can be expressed, forexample, as a vector quantity. Body connection components andcomplementary connection components have the same predetermined spatialrelationship if the vector quantities that describe the spatialrelationship between a body connection component and the other bodyconnection components to be engaged also describe the spatialrelationship between a corresponding complementary connection componentand the other complementary connection components to be engaged. Forexample, the spatial relationship may be defined as follows: a firstbody connection component is spaced a distance Ax+By from a referencepoint; a second body connection component is spaced a distance Cx+Dyfrom the reference point; a third body connection component is spaced adistance Ex+Fy from the reference point, etc. Correspondingcomplementary connection components in the same predetermined spatialrelationship are spaced in a mirror image relationship in the lower bodyface, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. A protective covering (not shown)may be employed to protect any of the body connection components.

The body connection components and the complementary connectioncomponents are preferably adjacent without positional modification whena vehicle body 85 is sufficiently positioned relative to a chassis 10 ofthe invention; however, in the context of the present invention, thebody connection components may be movable relative to each other withina predetermined spatial relationship to accommodate build tolerances orother assembly issues. For example, an electrical connector may bepositioned and operably connected to a signal-carrying cable. The cablemay be fixed relative to the structural frame at a point six inches fromthe electrical connector. The electrical connector will thus be movablewithin six inches of the fixed point on the cable. A body connectioncomponent is considered adjacent to a complementary connection componentif one or both are movable within a predetermined spatial relationshipso as to be in contact with each other.

Referring to FIG. 5, the body-attachment interface of the claimedinvention enables compatibility between the chassis 10 and differenttypes of bodies 85, 85′, 85″ having substantially different designs.Bodies 85, 85′, 85″ having a common base 98 with complementaryattachment couplings 93 and complementary electrical connectors 95 inthe same predetermined spatial relationship with one another as thepredetermined spatial relationship between body connection components onthe body-attachment interface 87, are each matable with the chassis 10by positioning the body 85, 85′, 85″ relative to the chassis 10 suchthat each complementary attachment coupling 93 is adjacent to aload-bearing body-retention coupling 89, and the complementaryelectrical connector 95 is adjacent to the electrical connector 91. Inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, allbodies and chassis comply with this common, standardized interfacesystem, thereby enabling a wide array of different body types and stylesto be attached to a single chassis design. The substantially horizontalupper chassis face 96 also facilitates compatibility between the rollingplatform 10 and a multitude of differently-configured body styles. Thecommon base 98 functions as a body structural unit and forms the lowerbody face 97 in the preferred embodiment. FIG. 5 schematically depicts asedan 85, a van 85′, and a pickup truck 85″ each having a common base98.

The body connection components are preferably sufficiently exposed at achassis face to facilitate attachment to complementary connectioncomponents on a matable vehicle body. Similarly, complementaryconnection components on a matable vehicle body are sufficiently exposedat a body face to facilitate attachment to body connection components ona vehicle chassis. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, thebody connection components are located at or above the upper chassisface for engagement with complementary connection components located ator below a lower body face.

It is within the scope of the claimed invention to employ a connectiondevice to engage or operably connect a body connection component with adistant complementary connection component, in the situation where avehicle body does not have complementary connection components in thesame predetermined spatial relationship as the body connectioncomponents on a vehicle chassis. For example, a cable having twoconnectors, one connector engageable with the electrical connector on abody attachment interface and the other connector engageable with acomplementary connector on a matable vehicle body, may be used tooperably connect the electrical connector and the complementaryconnector.

The bodies 85, 85′, 85″ shown schematically in FIG. 5 each use all ofthe body connection components on the vehicle chassis 10. However,within the scope of the claimed invention, a chassis may have more bodyconnection components than are actually mated with a vehicle body. Forexample, a chassis may have ten load-bearing body-retention couplings,and be matable with a body that engages only five of the tenload-bearing body-retention couplings. Such an arrangement isparticularly useful when an attachable body is of a different size thanthe chassis. For example, a matable body may be smaller than a chassis.Similarly, and within the scope of the claimed invention, a body may bemodular such that separate body components are independently connectedto the vehicle chassis by the load-bearing body-retention couplings.

A body may have more complementary connection components than areengageable with the body connection components of a particular chassis.Such an arrangement may be employed to enable a particular body to bematable to multiple chassis each having a different predeterminedspatial relationship among its body connection components.

The load-bearing body-retention couplings 89 and the electricalconnector 91 are preferably releasably engageable without damage toeither an attached body 85 or the chassis 10, thereby enabling removalof one body 85 from the chassis 10 and installation of a different body85′, 85″ on the chassis 10.

In the preferred embodiment, the body-attachment interface 87 ischaracterized by the absence of any mechanical controlsignal-transmission linkages and any couplings for attaching mechanicalcontrol signal-transmission linkages. Mechanical control linkages, suchas steering columns, limit the compatibility between a chassis andbodies of different configurations.

Referring to FIG. 1, the steering system 81 is housed in the front axlearea 16 and is operably connected to the front wheels 73, 75.Preferably, the steering system 81 is responsive to non-mechanicalcontrol signals. In the preferred embodiment, the steering system 81 isby-wire. A by-wire system is characterized by control signaltransmission in electrical form. In the context of the presentinvention, “by-wire” systems, or systems that are controllable“by-wire,” include systems configured to receive control signals inelectronic form via a control signal receiver on the body attachmentinterface 87, and respond in conformity to the electronic controlsignals.

Referring to FIG. 6, the by-wire steering system 81 of the preferredembodiment includes a steering control unit 98, and a steering actuator99. Sensors 100 are located on the chassis 10 and transmit sensorsignals 101 carrying information concerning the state or condition ofthe chassis 10 and its component systems. The sensors 100 may includeposition sensors, velocity sensors, acceleration sensors, pressuresensors, force and torque sensors, flow meters, temperature sensors,etc. The steering control unit 98 receives and processes sensor signals101 from the sensors 100 and electrical steering control signals 102from the electrical connector 91, and generates steering actuatorcontrol signals 103 according to a stored algorithm. A control unittypically includes a microprocessor, ROM and RAM and appropriate inputand output circuits of a known type for receiving the various inputsignals and for outputting the various control commands to theactuators. Sensor signals 101 may include yaw rate, lateralacceleration, angular wheel velocity, tie-rod force, steering angle,chassis velocity, etc.

The steering actuator 99 is operably connected to the front wheels 73,75 and configured to adjust the steering angle of the front wheels 73,75 in response to the steering actuator control signals 103. Actuatorsin a by-wire system transform electronic control signals into amechanical action or otherwise influence a system's behavior in responseto the electronic control signals. Examples of actuators that may beused in a by-wire system include electromechanical actuators such aselectric servomotors, translational and rotational solenoids,magnetorheological actuators, electrohydraulic actuators, andelectrorheological actuators. Those skilled in the art will recognizeand understand mechanisms by which the steering angle is adjusted. Inthe preferred embodiment, the steering actuator 99 is an electric drivemotor configured to adjust a mechanical steering rack.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the preferred embodiment of the chassis 10 isconfigured such that it is steerable by any source of compatibleelectrical steering control signals 102 connected to the electricalconnector 91. FIG. 6 depicts a steering transducer 104 located on anattached vehicle body 85 and connected to a complementary electricalconnector 95. Transducers convert the mechanical control signals of avehicle driver to non-mechanical control signals. When used with aby-wire system, transducers convert the mechanical control signals toelectrical control signals usable by the by-wire system. A vehicledriver inputs control signals in mechanical form by turning a wheel,depressing a pedal, pressing a button, or the like. Transducers utilizesensors, typically position and force sensors, to convert the mechanicalinput to an electrical signal. In the preferred embodiment, a +/−20degree slide mechanism is used for driver input, and an optical encoderis used to read input rotation.

The complementary electrical connector 95 is coupled with the electricalconnector 91 of the body attachment interface 87. The steeringtransducer 104 converts vehicle driver-initiated mechanical steeringcontrol signals 105 to electrical steering control signals 102 which aretransmitted via the electrical connector 91 to the steering control unit98. In the preferred embodiment, the steering control unit 98 generatessteering feedback signals 106 for use by a vehicle driver and transmitsthe steering feedback signals 106 through the electrical connector 91.Some of the sensors 100 monitor linear distance movement of the steeringrack and vehicle speed. This information is processed by the steeringcontrol unit 98 according to a stored algorithm to generate the steeringfeedback signals 106. A torque control motor operably connected to theslide mechanism receives the steering feedback signals 106 and is drivenin the opposite direction of the driver's mechanical input.

In the context of the present invention, a “by-wire” system may be anactuator connected directly to an electrical connector in the bodyattachment interface. An alternative by-wire steering system 81′ withinthe scope of the claimed invention is depicted schematically in FIG. 7,wherein like reference numbers refer to like components from FIG. 6. Asteering actuator 99 configured to adjust the steering angle of thefront wheels 73, 75 is connected directly to the electrical connector91. In this embodiment, a steering control unit 98′ and a steeringtransducer 104 may be located in an attached vehicle body 85. Thesteering transducer 104 would transmit electrical steering controlsignals 102 to the steering control unit 98′, and the steering controlunit 98′ would transmit steering actuator control signals 103 to thesteering actuator 99 via the electrical connector 91. Sensors 100positioned on the chassis 10 transmit sensor signals 101 to the steeringcontrol unit 98′ via the electrical connector 91 and the complementaryelectrical connector 95.

Examples of steer-by-wire systems are described in U.S. Pat. No.6,176,341, issued Jan. 23, 2001 to Delphi Technologies, Inc; U.S. Pat.No. 6,208,923, issued Mar. 27, 2001 to Robert Bosch GmbH; U.S. Pat. No.6,219,604, issued Apr. 17, 2001 to Robert Bosch GmbH; U.S. Pat. No.6,318,494, issued Nov. 20, 2001 to Delphi Technologies, Inc.; U.S. Pat.No. 6,370,460, issued Apr. 9, 2002 to Delphi Technologies, Inc.; andU.S. Pat. No. 6,394,218, issued May 28, 2002 to TRW Fahrwerksysteme GmbH& Co. KG; which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

The steer-by-wire system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,341 includes aposition sensor for sensing angular position of a road wheel, ahand-operated steering wheel for controlling direction of the roadwheel, a steering wheel sensor for sensing position of the steeringwheel, a steering wheel actuator for actuating the hand-operatedsteering wheel, and a steering control unit for receiving the sensedsteering wheel position and the sensed road wheel position andcalculating actuator control signals, preferably including a road wheelactuator control signal and a steering wheel actuator control signal, asa function of the difference between the sensed road wheel position andthe steering wheel position. The steering control unit commands the roadwheel actuator to provide controlled steering of the road wheel inresponse to the road wheel actuator control signal. The steering controlunit further commands the steering wheel actuator to provide feedbackforce actuation to the hand-operated steering wheel in response to thesteering wheel control signal. The road wheel actuator control signaland steering wheel actuator control signal are preferably scaled tocompensate for difference in gear ratio between the steering wheel andthe road wheel. In addition, the road wheel actuator control signal andsteering wheel actuator control signal may each have a gain set so thatthe road wheel control actuator signal commands greater force actuationto the road wheel than the feedback force applied to the steering wheel.

The steer-by-wire system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,341 preferablyimplements two position control loops, one for the road wheel and onefor the hand wheel. The position feedback from the steering wheelbecomes a position command input for the road wheel control loop and theposition feedback from the road wheel becomes a position command inputfor the steering wheel control loop. A road wheel error signal iscalculated as the difference between the road wheel command input(steering wheel position feedback) and the road wheel position.Actuation of the road wheel is commanded in response to the road wheelerror signal to provide controlled steering of the road wheel. Asteering wheel error signal is calculated as the difference between thesteering wheel position command (road wheel position feedback) and thesteering wheel position. The hand-operated steering wheel is actuated inresponse to the steering wheel error signal to provide force feedback tothe hand-operated steering wheel.

The steering control unit of the '341 system could be configured as asingle processor or multiple processors and may include ageneral-purpose microprocessor-based controller, that may include acommercially available off-the-shelf controller. One example of acontroller is Model No. 87C196CA microcontroller manufactured and madeavailable from Intel Corporation of Delaware. The steering control unitpreferably includes a processor and memory for storing and processingsoftware algorithms, has a clock speed of 16 MHz, two optical encoderinterfaces to read position feedbacks from each of the actuator motors,a pulse width modulation output for each motor driver, and a 5-voltregulator.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,460 describes a steer-by-wire control systemcomprising a road wheel unit and a steering wheel unit that operatetogether to provide steering control for the vehicle operator. Asteering control unit may be employed to support performing the desiredsignal processing. Signals from sensors in the road wheel unit, steeringwheel unit, and vehicle speed are used to calculate road wheel actuatorcontrol signals to control the direction of the vehicle and steeringwheel torque commands to provide tactile feedback to the vehicleoperator. An Ackerman correction may be employed to adjust the left andright road wheel angles correcting for errors in the steering geometryto ensure that the wheels will track about a common turn center.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a braking system 83 is mounted to thestructural frame 11 and is operably connected to the wheels 73, 75, 77,79. The braking system is configured to be responsive to non-mechanicalcontrol signals. In the preferred embodiment, the braking system 83 isby-wire, as depicted schematically in FIG. 8, wherein like referencenumbers refer to like components from FIGS. 6 and 7. Sensors 100transmit sensor signals 101 carrying information concerning the state orcondition of the chassis 10 and its component systems to a brakingcontrol unit 107. The braking control unit 107 is connected to theelectrical connector 91 and is configured to receive electrical brakingcontrol signals 108 via the electrical connector 91. The braking controlunit 107 processes the sensor signals 101 and the electrical brakingcontrol signals 108 and generates braking actuator control signals 109according to a stored algorithm. The braking control unit 107 thentransmits the braking actuator control signals 109 to braking actuators110, 111, 112, 113 which act to reduce the angular velocity of thewheels 73, 75, 77, 79. Those skilled in the art will recognize themanner in which the braking actuators 110, 111, 112, 113 act on thewheels 73, 75, 77, 79. Typically, actuators cause contact betweenfriction elements, such as pads and disc rotors. Optionally, an electricmotor may function as a braking actuator in a regenerative brakingsystem.

The braking control unit 107 may also generate braking feedback signals114 for use by a vehicle driver and transmit the braking feedbacksignals 114 through the electrical connector 91. In the preferredembodiment, the braking actuators 110, 111, 112, 113 apply force througha caliper to a rotor at each wheel. Some of the sensors 100 measure theapplied force on each caliper. The braking control unit 107 uses thisinformation to ensure synchronous force application to each rotor.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the preferred embodiment of the chassis 10 isconfigured such that the braking system is responsive to any source ofcompatible electrical braking control signals 108. A braking transducer115 may be located on an attached vehicle body 85 and connected to acomplementary electrical connector 95 coupled with the electricalconnector 91. The braking transducer 115 converts vehicledriver-initiated mechanical braking control signals 116 into electricalform and transmits the electrical braking control signals 106 to thebraking control unit via the electrical connector 91. In the preferredembodiment, the braking transducer 115 includes two hand-grip typeassemblies. The braking transducer 115 includes sensors that measureboth the rate of applied pressure and the amount of applied pressure tothe hand-grip assemblies, thereby converting mechanical braking controlsignals 116 to electrical braking control signals 108. The brakingcontrol unit 107 processes both the rate and amount of applied pressureto provide both normal and panic stopping.

An alternative brake-by-wire system 83′ within the scope of the claimedinvention is depicted in FIG. 9, wherein like reference numbers refer tolike components from FIGS. 6–8. The braking actuators 110, 111, 112, 113and sensors 100 are connected directly to the electrical connector 91.In this embodiment, a braking control unit 107′ may be located in anattached vehicle body 85. A braking transducer 115 transmits electricalbraking control signals 108 to the braking control unit 107′, and thebraking control unit 107′ transmits braking actuator signals 109 to thebraking actuators 110, 111, 112, 113 via the electrical connector 91.

Examples of brake-by-wire systems are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,366,281, issued Nov. 22, 2994 to General Motors Corporation; U.S. Pat.No. 5,823,636, issued Oct. 20, 1998 to General Motors Corporation; U.S.Pat. No. 6,305,758, issued Oct. 23, 2001 to Delphi Technologies, Inc.;and U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,565, issued May 21, 2002 to Delphi Technologies,Inc.; which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,281 includes an input devicefor receiving mechanical braking control signals, a brake actuator and acontrol unit coupled to the input device and the brake actuator. Thecontrol unit receives brake commands, or electrical braking controlsignals, from the input device and provides actuator commands, orbraking actuator control signals, to control current and voltage to thebrake actuator. When a brake command is first received from the inputdevice, the control unit outputs, for a first predetermined time period,a brake torque command to the brake actuator commanding maximum currentto the actuator. After the first predetermined time period, the controlunit outputs, for a second predetermined time period, a brake torquecommand to the brake actuator commanding voltage to the actuatorresponsive to the brake command and a first gain factor. After thesecond predetermined time period, the control unit outputs the braketorque command to the brake actuator commanding current to the actuatorresponsive to the brake command and a second gain factor, wherein thefirst gain factor is greater than the second gain factor and whereinbrake initialization is responsive to the brake input.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,565 describes a brake-by-wire system that providesthe capability of both travel and force sensors in a braking transducerconnected to a brake apply input member such as a brake pedal and alsoprovides redundancy in sensors by providing the signal from a sensorresponsive to travel or position of the brake apply input member to afirst control unit and the signal from a sensor responsive to forceapplied to a brake apply input member to a second control unit. Thefirst and second control units are connected by a bi-directionalcommunication link whereby each controller may communicate its receivedone of the sensor signals to the other control unit. In at least one ofthe control units, linearized versions of the signals are combined forthe generation of first and second brake apply command signals forcommunication to braking actuators. If either control unit does notreceive one of the sensor signals from the other, it neverthelessgenerates its braking actuator control signal on the basis of the sensorsignal provided directly to it. In a preferred embodiment of the system,a control unit combines the linearized signals by choosing the largestin magnitude.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the energy storage system 69 stores energythat is used to propel the chassis 10. For most applications, the storedenergy will be in chemical form. Examples of energy storage systems 69include fuel tanks and electric batteries. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the energy storage system 69 includes two compressed gascylinder storage tanks 121 (5,000 psi, or 350 bars) mounted within themid-chassis space 41 and configured to store compressed hydrogen gas.Employing more than two compressed gas cylinder storage tanks may bedesirable to provide greater hydrogen storage capacity. Instead ofcompressed gas cylinder storage tanks 121, an alternate form of hydrogenstorage may be employed such as metal or chemical hydrides. Hydrogengeneration or reforming may also be used.

The energy conversion system 67 converts the energy stored by the energystorage system 69 to mechanical energy that propels the chassis 10. Inthe preferred embodiment, depicted in FIG. 1, the energy conversionsystem 67 includes a fuel cell stack 125 located in the rear axle area18, and an electric traction motor 127 located in the front axle area16. The fuel cell stack 125 produces a continuously available power of94 kilowatts. Fuel cell systems for vehicular use are described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,195,999, issued Mar. 6, 2001 to General Motors Corporation;U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,843, issued May 1, 2001 to General MotorsCorporation; U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,145, issued Nov. 20, 2001 to DelphiTechnologies, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,207, issued May 28, 2002 toGeneral Motors Corporation; which are hereby incorporated by referencein their entireties.

The fuel cell stack 125 is operably connected to the compressed gascylinder storage tanks 121 and to the traction motor 127. The fuel cellstack 125 converts chemical energy in the form of hydrogen from thecompressed gas cylinder storage tanks 121 into electrical energy, andthe traction motor 127 converts the electrical energy to mechanicalenergy, and applies the mechanical energy to rotate the front wheels 73,75. Optionally, the fuel cell stack 125 and traction motor 127 areswitched between the front axle area 16 and rear axle area 18.Optionally, the energy conversion system includes an electric battery(not shown) in hybrid combination with the fuel cell to improve chassisacceleration. Other areas provided between the structural elements areuseful for housing other mechanisms and systems for providing thefunctions typical of an automobile as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize other energy conversion systems 67that may be employed within the scope of the present invention.

The energy conversion system 67 is configured to respond tonon-mechanical control signals. The energy conversion system 67 of thepreferred embodiment is controllable by-wire, as depicted in FIG. 10. Anenergy conversion system control unit 128 is connected to the electricalconnector 91 from which it receives electrical energy conversion systemcontrol signals 129, and sensors 100 from which it receives sensorsignals 101 carrying information about various chassis conditions. Inthe preferred embodiment, the information conveyed by the sensor signals101 to the energy conversion system control unit 128 includes chassisvelocity, electrical current applied, rate of acceleration of thechassis, and motor shaft speed to ensure smooth launches and controlledacceleration. The energy conversion system control unit 128 is connectedto an energy conversion system actuator 130, and transmits energyconversion system actuator control signals 131 to the energy conversionsystem actuator 130 in response to the electrical energy conversionsystem control signals 129 and sensor signals 101 according to a storedalgorithm. The energy conversion system actuator 130 acts on the fuelcell stack 125 or traction motor 127 to adjust energy output. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize the various methods by which theenergy conversion system actuator 130 may adjust the energy output ofthe energy conversion system. For example, a solenoid may alternatelyopen and close a valve that regulates hydrogen flow to the fuel cellstack. Similarly, a compressor that supplies oxygen (from air) to thefuel cell stack may function as an actuator, varying the amount ofoxygen supplied to the fuel cell stack in response to signals from theenergy conversion system control unit.

An energy conversion system transducer 132 may be located on a vehiclebody 85 and connected to a complementary electrical connector 95 engagedwith the electrical connector 91. The energy conversion systemtransducer 132 is configured to convert mechanical energy conversionsystem control signals 133 to electrical energy conversion systemcontrol signals 129.

In another embodiment of the invention, as shown schematically in FIG.11, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components from FIGS.6–10, wheel motors 135, also known as wheel hub motors, are positionedat each of the four wheels 73, 75, 77, 79. Optionally, wheel motors 135may be provided at only the front wheels 73, 75 or only the rear wheels77, 79. The use of wheel motors 135 reduces the height of the chassis 10compared to the use of traction motors, and therefore may be desirablefor certain uses.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a conventional heat exchanger 137 andelectric fan system 139, operably connected to the fuel cell stack 125to circulate coolant for waste heat rejection, is carried in an openingthat exists between the rear axle area 18 and the structural elements54, 60. The heat exchanger 137 is set at an inclined angle to reduce itsvertical profile, but to provide adequate heat rejection it also extendsslightly above the top of elements 12, 26 (as seen in FIG. 4). Althoughthe fuel cell stack 125, heat exchanger 137 and electric fan system 139extend above the structural elements, their protrusion into the body podspace is relatively minor when compared to the engine compartmentrequirements of a conventionally designed automobile, especially whenthe chassis height of the preferred embodiment is approximately a mere15 inches (28 centimeters). Optionally, the heat exchanger 137 ispackaged completely within the chassis' structure with airflow routedthrough channels (not shown).

Referring again to FIG. 1, the suspension system 71 is mounted to thestructural frame 11 and is connected to four wheels 73, 75, 77, 79.Those skilled in the art will understand the operation of a suspensionsystem, and recognize that a multitude of suspension system types may beused within the scope of the claimed invention. The suspension system 71of the preferred embodiment of the invention is electronicallycontrolled, as depicted schematically in FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 12, the behavior of the electronically controlledsuspension system 71 in response to any given road input is determinedby a suspension control unit 141. Sensors 100 located on the chassis 10monitor various conditions such as vehicle speed, angular wheelvelocity, and wheel position relative to the chassis 10. The sensors 100transmit the sensor signals 101 to the suspension control unit 141. Thesuspension control unit 141 processes the sensor signals 101 andgenerates suspension actuator control signals 142 according to a storedalgorithm. The suspension control unit 141 transmits the suspensionactuator control signals 142 to four suspension actuators 143, 144, 145,146. Each suspension actuator 143, 144, 145, 146 is operably connectedto a wheel 73, 75, 77, 79 and determines, in whole or in part, theposition of the wheel 73, 75, 77, 79 relative to the chassis 10. Thesuspension actuators of the preferred embodiment are variable-force,real time, controllable dampers. The suspension system 71 of thepreferred embodiment is also configured such that chassis ride height isadjustable. Separate actuators may be used to vary the chassis rideheight.

In the preferred embodiment, the suspension control unit 141 isprogrammable and connected to the electrical connector 91 of thebody-attachment interface 87. A vehicle user is thus able to altersuspension system 71 characteristics by reprogramming the suspensioncontrol unit 141 with suspension system software 147 via the electricalconnector 91.

In the context of the claimed invention, electronically-controlledsuspension systems include suspension systems without a suspensioncontrol unit located on the chassis 10. Referring to FIG. 13, whereinlike reference numbers are used to reference like components from FIG.12, suspension actuators 143, 144, 145, 146 and suspension sensors 100are connected directly to the electrical connector 91. In such anembodiment, a suspension control unit 141′ located on an attachedvehicle body 85 can process sensor signals 101 transmitted through theelectrical connector 91, and transmit suspension actuator controlsignals 142 to the suspension actuators 143, 144, 145, 146 via theelectrical connector 91.

Examples of electronically controlled suspension systems are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,503, issued Feb. 25, 1997 to General MotorsCorporation; U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,353, issued Mar. 11, 1997 to Ford MotorCompany; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,134, issued May 28, 2002 to DelphiTechnologies, Inc.; which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,134 describes an electronically controlledsuspension system that provides improved suspension control throughsteering crossover events. In particular, the system senses a vehiclelateral acceleration and a vehicle steering angle and stores, for eachdirection of sensed vehicle lateral acceleration, first and second setsof enhanced suspension actuator control signals for the suspensionactuators of the vehicle. Responsive to the sensed vehicle lateralacceleration and sensed vehicle steering angle, the system applies thefirst set of enhanced actuator control signals to the suspensionactuators if the sensed steering angle is in the same direction as thesensed lateral acceleration and alternatively applies the second set ofenhanced actuator control signals to the suspension actuators if thesensed steering angle is in the opposite direction as the sensed lateralacceleration.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,503 describes a suspension control system for use ina vehicle including a suspended vehicle body, four un-suspended vehiclewheels, four variable force actuators mounted between the vehicle bodyand wheels, one of the variable force actuators at each corner of thevehicle, and a set of sensors providing sensor signals indicative ofmotion of the vehicle body, motion of the vehicle wheels, a vehiclespeed and an ambient temperature. The suspension control systemcomprises a microcomputer control unit including: means for receivingthe sensor signals; means, responsive to the sensor signals, fordetermining an actuator demand force for each actuator; means,responsive to the vehicle speed, for determining a first signalindicative of a first command maximum; means, responsive to the ambienttemperature, for determining a second signal indicative of a secondcommand maximum; and means for constraining the actuator demand force sothat it is no greater than a lesser of the first and second commandmaximums.

Electrically conductive wires (not shown) are used in the preferredembodiment to transfer signals between the chassis 10 and an attachedbody 85, and between transducers, control units, and actuators. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that other non-mechanical means ofsending and receiving signals between a body and a chassis, and betweentransducers, control units, and actuators may be employed and fallwithin the scope of the claimed invention. Other non-mechanical means ofsending and receiving signals include radio waves and fiber optics.

The by-wire systems are networked in the preferred embodiment, in partto reduce the quantity of dedicated wires connected to the electricalconnector 91. A serial communication network is described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,534,848, issued Jul. 9, 1996 to General Motors Corporation, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. An example of anetworked drive-by-wire system is described in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. US 2001/0029408, Ser. No. 09/775,143, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. Those skilled in the art willrecognize various networking devices and protocols that may be usedwithin the scope of the claimed invention, such as SAE J1850 and CAN(“Controller Area Network”). A TTP (“Time Triggered Protocol”) networkis employed in the preferred embodiment of the invention forcommunications management.

Some of the information collected by the sensors 100, such as chassisvelocity, fuel level, and system temperature and pressure, is useful toa vehicle driver for operating the chassis and detecting systemmalfunctions. As shown in FIG. 14, the sensors 100 are connected to theelectrical connector 91 through a chassis computer 153. Sensor signals101 carrying information are transmitted from the sensors 100 to thechassis computer 153, which processes the sensor signals 101 accordingto a stored algorithm. The chassis computer 153 transmits the sensorsignals 101 to the electrical connector 91 when, according to the storedalgorithm, the sensor information is useful to the vehicle driver. Forexample, a sensor signal 101 carrying temperature information istransmitted to the electrical connector 91 by the chassis computer 153when the operating temperature of the chassis 10 is unacceptably high. Adriver-readable information interface 155 may be attached to acomplementary electrical connector 95 coupled with the electricalconnector 91 and display the information contained in the sensor signals101. Driver-readable information interfaces include, but are not limitedto, gauges, meters, LED displays, and LCD displays. The chassis may alsocontain communications systems, such as antennas and telematics systems,that are operably connected to an electrical connector in thebody-attachment interface and configured to transmit information to anattached vehicle body.

One control unit may serve multiple functions. For example, as shown inFIG. 15, a master control unit 159 functions as the steering controlunit, braking control unit, suspension control unit, and energyconversion system control unit.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the energy conversion system 67 isconfigured to transmit electrical energy to the electrical connector 91to provide electric power for systems located on an attached vehiclebody, such as power windows, power locks, entertainment systems,heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, etc. Optionally, ifthe energy storage system 69 includes a battery, then the battery may beconnected to the electrical connector 91. In the preferred embodiment,the energy conversion system 67 includes a fuel cell stack thatgenerates electrical energy and is connected to the electrical connector91.

FIG. 16 shows a chassis 10 with rigid covering, or “skin,” 161 and anelectrical connector or coupling 91 that functions as an umbilical port.The rigid covering 161 may be configured to function as a vehicle floor,which is useful if an attached vehicle body 85 does not have a lowersurface. In FIG. 17 a similarly equipped chassis 10 is shown with anoptional vertical fuel cell stack 125. The vertical fuel cell stack 125protrudes significantly into the body pod space which is acceptable forsome applications. The chassis 10 also includes a manual parking brakeinterface 162 that may be necessary for certain applications andtherefore is also optionally used with other embodiments.

FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment of the invention that may be advantageousin some circumstances. The energy conversion system 67 includes aninternal combustion engine 167 with horizontally-opposed cylinders, anda transmission 169. The energy storage system 69 includes a gasolinetank 171.

FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of the invention wherein the steeringsystem 81 has mechanical control linkages including a steering column173. Passenger seating attachment couplings 175 are present on the bodyattachment interface 87, allowing the attachment of passenger seatingassemblies to the chassis 10.

FIGS. 20 and 20 a depict a chassis 10 within the scope of the inventionand a body 85 each having multiple electrical connectors 91 and multiplecomplementary electrical connectors 95, respectively. For example, afirst electrical connector 91 may be operably connected to the steeringsystem and function as a control signal receiver. A second electricalconnector 91 may be operably connected to the braking system andfunction as a control signal receiver. A third electrical connector 91may be operably connected to the energy conversion system and functionas a control signal receiver. A fourth electrical connector 91 may beoperably connected to the energy conversion system and function as anelectrical power connector. Four multiple wire in-line connectors andcomplementary connectors are used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20and 20 a. FIG. 20 a depicts an assembly process for attachingcorresponding connectors 91, 95.

Referring to FIG. 21, a further embodiment of the claimed invention isdepicted. The chassis 10 has a rigid covering 161 and a plurality ofpassenger seating attachment couplings 175. A driver-operable controlinput device 177 containing a steering transducer, a braking transducer,and an energy conversion system transducer, is operably connected to thesteering system, braking system, and energy conversion system by wires179 and movable to different attachment points.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 21 enables bodies of varying designs andconfigurations to mate with a common chassis design. A vehicle bodywithout a lower surface but having complementary attachment couplings ismatable to the chassis 10 at the load-bearing body retention couplings89. Passenger seating assemblies may be attached at passenger seatingattachment couplings 175.

FIG. 22 illustrates a range of bodies or body pods 211–214 that may beemployed on a single chassis or rolling platform 215. The owner of therolling platform 215 can adapt to seasonal changes or lifestyle changesby simply changing vehicle body pods. The rolling platform comprisesmost of the durable hardware, meaning body pods require far lessmaterial and energy to produce than complete vehicles.

Referring to FIG. 23, the process of securing optional bodies or bodypods is depicted. Body pods can be hot swapped on a random time intervalbasis according to the whim of the driver or on a scheduled basisaccording to the guidelines of the vehicle pod provider. This aspectprovides a business model of how a vehicle body can be rented, leased,exchanged, or sold. The process of vehicle body interchangeabilityprovides that the consumer can disconnect and connect vehicle bodiesquickly without headaches of complexity. Just lift off and drop podswith mechanical and electrical common interface connections as describedpreviously. Initially, the driver secures the use of a rolling chassis241 and a body pod 242. A body pod service provider 245 maintains aninventory of body pods 246 that are either available on site, ordered tospecification, or in use by other drivers and rotated among a group ofdrivers according to schedule. Each body pod carries a chip that maycommunicate parameters to the rolling chassis to set fuel cellperformance or engine performance to match the body pod, adjustssuspension performance, adjusts steering performance and communicatesother specifications.

The manufacture of chassis or rolling platforms and body pods isdepicted in FIG. 24. In the conventional manufacturing processes, theautomobile is manufactured as a single unitary system. According to thepresent invention, the rolling platform system is manufacturedindependently of the vehicle body pods. The rolling platform, whichcontains a majority of the technological and mechanical content, isexported from central manufacturing locations to any location around theworld. The vehicle bodies are manufactured in the same central locationsor in local environments incorporating local materials and matched tothe needs of the local market.

Engineering of the rolling platform enables the vehicle body to bedesigned and produced independently. Bodies are manufactured anddesigned substantially independently anywhere in the world to meetdifferent consumer desires. Local manufacturers, using locally availablematerials, can build vehicle bodies according to local tastes. Without acoupled body, the rolling platform manufacturing process is streamlinedfor production at key manufacturing sites around the world forexportation to points of purchase. Designers have the ability toredesign vehicle bodies without reengineering the entire vehicle.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, a factory 250 manufacturesbody pods (a.k.a. bodies) according to a plurality of designs 251–253.The body pods are complete, or essentially complete, ready to beinterconnected with a rolling chassis. All body pod styles 251–253 aredesigned to be connected to a rolling chassis having common connectionpoints. A second factory 255 which can be located remote from thefactory 250, or can be the same factory, produces rolling chassis 256.The rolling chassis 256 each have common connection points forconnecting to a plurality of body pods.

Turning to FIG. 25, a business process model is illustrated wherein anowner secures a rolling chassis 220 for x years by means such as apurchase, with or without financing, or under a lease. The rollingchassis may be mortgaged for 20 years, for example, wherein the expenseis spread out over the expected reasonable serviceability life of theunit. The terms of the transaction include certain software upgrades 221and hardware/software upgrades 222 that are provided without additionalcharge and other upgrades 223 that are secured by the owner/lessee(driver) at their option and at additional cost. At the end of the 20year span (or other term), the rolling chassis may be owned with nosecurity obligation remaining to the original financing entity.

During the life of the rolling chassis, the vehicle is used according totheir changing tastes or needs. For example, a scenario wherein a driverstarts with a small, sporty body pod 226, advances to a utilitarian typebody pod 228, then to a sport-utility type body pod 230, a van type bodypod 232 and onto a station wagon type body pod 234 is possible. Ofcourse, the type of body pods chosen and the time to change iscompletely discretionary.

Referring to FIG. 26 a business process 260 is illustrated. First, avehicle body interchangeability system is established (step 262),wherein a standard body/chassis interface is designed, such as thepreviously described interface 87, to enable the attachment of any of aplurality of different body types to a single chassis design. Theinterchangeability system may be pre-established, in which case theremaining business process steps would be performed based upon thepre-established interface system. Similarly, other steps of the businessprocess described in FIG. 26 may be performed independently from otherprocess steps described.

Once the vehicle body interchangeability is established (step 262)vehicle chassis and bodies may be manufactured with the standardbody/chassis interface (steps 264 and 266). A chassis inventory and bodyinventory may then be maintained (steps 268 and 270). As shown, the bodyinventory may include sedans, pick-up trucks, vans, sports-utilityvehicles, convertibles, coupes, station wagons, mini-vans, trucks,and/or other types of transports. Each body would conform to thestandardized body/chassis interface system to enable attachment to anychassis complying with the standardized body/chassis interface system.The chassis inventory may include a single chassis design or a family ofchassis designs conforming with the standardized body/chassis interfacesystem.

Possession of a chassis may then be granted (step 272) to a chassisowner (block 274). The chassis owner may be an end user of the chassis(block 276), an auto rental company (block 278), etc. The chassis ownermay, alternatively, be a lessee or renter of the chassis. Accordingly,the “chassis owner” (block 274) may be considered a chassis possessor.

A body from the body inventory may be sold, rented, or leased to thechassis owner (step 280). This body may be attached to the owner'schassis (step 282) without modification.

As a result of the standardized body/chassis interface system, thechassis owner may select other bodies for attachment to the chassis. Thefirst body may be detached from the chassis and a newly selected bodymay then be attached to the chassis without modification (step 282).This exchange of vehicle bodies may occur in a specialized garage (block284) or in a location which is convenient for the chassis owner, such asin the owner's driveway (block 286). The replacement body may berequested via the internet (block 287), or by other electronic means,through the club membership or directly with the party maintaining theinventory.

Specialty service units may be developed to exchange bodies remotely orin specialized garages. The service station could be mobile or fixed.

The first body would be purchased, exchanged, stored, or disposed ofafter detachment (step 288).

Optionally, the chassis owner may gain access to the body inventorythrough a club membership (step 290). Through the club membership, thechassis owner has the ability to order, reserve, rent, lease, exchangeand purchase vehicle bodies on demand. The club membership may bepurchased, or maintained by periodic membership payments.

The vehicle chassis owner may also interchange vehicle bodies themselvesas a result of the simplicity of the standardized body/chassisinterface. The chassis owner may keep spare bodies in their own garageand exchange the bodies with an overhead crane type system.

After the first body has been exchanged by the chassis owner to the bodyinventory, possession of the first body may then be granted to a thirdparty (step 292).

Each of the above described business process steps may be performed byindividual service units, or all operations may be performed by a singleentity. For example, an individual service unit may provide a “swap-top”service wherein they deliver a replacement body to a location convenientto a customer, such as the customer's driveway or place of business. Atthat location, the customer's body would be detached from the customer'schassis, and the replacement body would be attached to the customer'schassis. The detached body would then be returned to an inventory ofbodies, or attached to a different chassis.

Alternatively, bodies may be swapped between friends, relatives, or clubmembers. A service unit may perform the body swap at a convenientlocation selected by the customer. Further, the customer may storemultiple bodies, and the swap service would perform the body swap forthe customer at the storage location, such as the customer's home.

Additionally, interior components of the body may be individuallyrented, leased, exchanged or sold separately from the body structure.For example, seats, consoles, electronic equipment, etc. may be acquiredseparately from the body structure and later exchanged to alter thevehicle interior. Further, body closures, such as door panels, hoodpanels, hatchback doors, etc. may be acquired individually and laterexchanged to alter the vehicle exterior. These individual components ofthe body may be delivered, exchanged for other parts, and installed in acustomer's vehicle by the swap service.

Referring to FIG. 27, a business process is shown schematically inaccordance with the invention to illustrate a variation in thecombinations of steps which may be performed by a particular businessentity. As shown, the business process 310 includes the steps ofmanufacturing chassis with the standardized body/chassis interface (step312), and manufacturing bodies with the standardized body/chassisinterface (step 314). Possession of a chassis may then be offered andgranted in a consumer transaction (step 316), and similarly possessionof a body may be offered and granted in a consumer transaction (step318).

A body (such as a “first body”) may be provided or attached onto achassis (step 320). Thereafter, a body inventory may be maintained witha variety of different body types available therein, and replacementbodies may be offered from the inventory (step 322).

Once ordered, a replacement body (second body) may be delivered to thecustomer (step 324). At the location selected by the customer, the firstbody may be removed from the chassis (step 326), and the second body orreplacement body may be attached to the chassis (step 328). The secondbody has a body style different than the first body to form a differenttype of vehicle.

As mentioned above, the above combination of method steps are merelyexemplary, and different business entities may perform variouscombinations of the steps presented in the different embodiments, as setforth in the claims. Also, as set forth in the claims, various featuresshown and described in accordance with the different embodiments of theinvention illustrated may be combined.

While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been describedin detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relateswill recognize various alternative designs and embodiments forpracticing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method for providing vehicle reconfigurability, the method comprising: maintaining an inventory containing vehicle body pods each having a substantially identical interface at which each of the body pods is connectable to a chassis such that the body pods are interchangeable on the chassis, said body pods including at least one body pod characterized by a first body pod style and at least one body pod characterized by a second body pod style; and granting possession to a customer of a vehicle body pod from the inventory independent of a chassis.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching said vehicle body pod from the inventory to the customer's chassis.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of granting possession of a vehicle body pod is performed in exchange for returning a different vehicle body pod which had been previously attached to said chassis.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of granting possession of a vehicle body pod is performed after removing a different vehicle body pod which had been previously attached to said chassis.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising purchasing, exchanging, disposing of, or storing said different vehicle body pod of the customer.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second body pod styles are selected from the group consisting of sedans, pickup trucks, convertibles, coupes, vans, station wagons, sport-utility vehicles, and other types of transports.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising offering the customer a club membership wherein dues are paid for selective access to the vehicle body pod inventory.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the club membership enables the customer to order, reserve, rent, lease or exchange vehicle body pods on demand.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer is an individual end user of the chassis and body pod.
 10. A method of conducting a vehicle business transaction with a customer already in possession of a chassis, comprising: maintaining an inventory having a plurality of vehicle body pods of varying styles based upon aesthetics or functionality, each of said body pods being unattached to the chassis and having an interface sufficiently configured to enable the selective attachment of each of the body pods the chassis; offering to grant possession of any of said plurality of vehicle body pods in the inventory to the customer already in possession of the chassis; and granting possession to the customer of a body pod selected by the customer from the inventory.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising mating the body pod selected by the customer to the customer's chassis.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising purchasing, exchanging, disposing of, or storing a vehicle body pod of the customer.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising offering the customer a club membership wherein dues are paid for selective access to the vehicle body pod inventory.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the club membership enables the customer to order, reserve, rent, lease or exchange vehicle body pods on demand.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising attaching the selected body pod to the customer's chassis without subjecting the interface on the selected body pod to value-added manufacturing operations.
 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising delivering the body pod selected by the customer to a location selected by the customer.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein said body pod selected by the customer is selected via the internet.
 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising manufacturing the vehicle body pods in the inventory.
 19. The method of claim 10, wherein said granting possession includes selling or leasing.
 20. A method comprising: maintaining an inventory having a plurality of vehicle body pods of varying styles based upon aesthetics or functionality, each of said body pods having an interface sufficiently configured to enable the selective attachment of each of the body pods to a common chassis; offering a club membership to a customer wherein dues are paid for selective access to the vehicle body pod inventory; and granting possession of a body pod selected by the customer from the inventory independent of a vehicle chassis. 